Amazingly, the Badgers (7-3, 4-2) could finish out of the top stop in the division but still go to the title game. Their next two opponents — Ohio State (10-0, 6-0) and Penn State (6-4, 4-2) — are ineligible for postseason play because of NCAA sanctions.

"We have two big games coming up," Wisconsin left guard Ryan Groy told the paper. "We have a lot to prove yet."

So what now?

Purdue freshman Paul Griggs had not made a winning kick since converting an extra point in eighth grade.

Understandably, Griggs wasn't sure what to do when he made a 46-yard winner as Purdue beat Iowa, 27-24, snapping the Boilermakers' five-game losing streak. It was the Boilermakers' first victory at Iowa since 1992.

Griggs realized he didn't have to do much, considering he was overwhelmed by his teammates.

As Griggs' 46-yard field goal left his right foot, the freshman said he stood "in disbelief."

"It seemed like everybody was grabbing me," Griggs told the Lafayette Journal and Courier. "As soon as I got away from them, I was running over toward the fans, and my mom ran out of the stands and she blindsided me. She was quite happy."

It was the season highlight for Griggs, who missed a field goal the previous week against Penn State. He also missed an extra point and had a field goal blocked at Ohio State in an overtime loss.

He said it

Penn State coach Bill O'Brien after the loss to Nebraska: "Losing is a terrible feeling. Miserable. It's like a part of you dies, to be honest with you."

Two-horse race

Legends standings

(Big Ten) (Overall)

Nebraska ... 5-1... 8-2

Michigan... 5-1... 7-3

Northwestern... 3-3... 7-3

Iowa... 2-4 ... 4-6

Minnesota... 2-4... 6-4

Michigan State... 2-4... 5-5

Remaining schedule

More Angelique S. Chengelis

The Detroit News aims to provide a forum that fosters smart, civil discussions on the news and events that we cover. The News will not condone personal attacks, off topic posts or brutish language on our site. If you find a comment that you believe violates these standards, please click the "X" in the upper right corner of the post to report it.